“We are advising the public to take flu precautions – cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, wash your hands often, take plenty of water and juices, have enough rest and sleep,” pahayag ni Ubial.

“For avian influenza viruses, the primary risk factor for human infection appears to be direct or indirect exposure to infected live or dead poultry or contaminated environments, such as live bird markets. Slaughtering, defeathering, handling carcasses of infected poultry, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in household settings, are also likely to be risk factors,” lahad ng WHO sa website nito.

“There is no evidence to suggest that the A(H5), A(H7N9) or other avian influenza viruses can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared poultry or eggs,” ayon dito. “A few influenza A(H5N1) human cases have been linked to consumption of dishes made with raw, contaminated poultry blood.”